Philippines entry requirements for Canada passport holders
Verified May 11, 2026·View sources
No visa required
30 days
Max stay
30 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Canadians can visit the Philippines for tourism or business for up to 30 days without a visa. This visa-free entry applies to most short trips in 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from the Philippines | Your passport needs at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure within 30 days | Immigration at NAIA Terminal 1, 2, and 3 routinely asks for a printed or digital onward ticket. If you don't have one, they may deny entry or put you on a 24-hour hold. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation letter | Immigration officers sometimes ask for your first night's booking. A simple hotel confirmation email or a letter from a friend with their address works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash, bank statement, or credit card | Officers may ask how you'll support yourself. Showing a credit card with a decent limit or a bank statement with at least 50,000 PHP equivalent usually satisfies them. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines will deny boarding if your passport has less than 6 months validity from your entry date. No exceptions. Renew your passport before booking flights.
Keep a digital copy of your return ticket
Immigration officers often ask to see your onward ticket. A screenshot on your phone is fine — just make sure it's easy to find.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at a Philippine Airport
You'll land at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Manila), Mactan-Cebu International Airport, or another international gateway. Follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Foreign Passports'.
2
Queue at Immigration
Join the line for foreign nationals. Have your passport, boarding pass, and return ticket ready. You may be asked your purpose of visit and where you're staying.
3
Present Documents and Get Stamped
Hand over your passport and any requested documents. The officer will stamp your passport with a 30-day admission. The process usually takes 1-3 minutes.
4
Collect Baggage and Exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. You'll exit into the arrivals hall. No arrival declaration form is required for Canadian citizens.
Download Philippines Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 11, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay59 days, extendable up to 1 year
Validity3 months from issue date
CostPHP 1,000 (~$18 USD)
Apply at a Philippine embassy or consulate before travel; allows initial 59-day stay with extensions.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay59 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
CostPHP 2,000 (~$36 USD)
Allows multiple entries; ideal for frequent travellers; extensions available.
Long-stay visa (Special Resident Retiree's Visa - SRRV)
Max stayIndefinite (renewable annually)
Validity1 year, renewable
Cost~$1,500 USD (deposit + fees)
For retirees aged 50+; requires deposit of $10,000 (or $20,000 with pension); includes multiple entry privileges.
Work visa (9G)
Max stayUp to 3 years
Validity3 years, renewable
Cost~$500–$1,000 USD (employer-sponsored)
Requires a local employer to sponsor; allows work and long-term stay.
retirement visa
Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV)
Indefinite, renewable annually
~$1,500 USD initial deposit + annual renewal fee ~$360 USD
For retirees aged 50+ with a deposit of $10,000 (or $20,000 with pension). Includes multiple entry privileges and exemption from certain taxes. Ideal for long-term living.
Apply work visa
9G Pre-Arranged Employment Visa
Up to 3 years, renewable
~$500–$1,000 USD (employer-sponsored)
For foreign nationals with a local employer. Requires Alien Employment Permit (AEP) and company sponsorship. Allows work and long-term stay.
student visa
Student Visa (9F)
Up to 1 year, renewable
~$200–$500 USD (school-dependent)
For those enrolled in a recognized Philippine educational institution. Requires admission letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permit.
investor visa
Special Investor's Resident Visa (SIRV)
Indefinite, renewable annually
~$1,500 USD initial + annual fee ~$360 USD
For investors with a minimum investment of $75,000 in a Philippine business. Includes multiple entry privileges and residency rights.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry, for longer stays)For stays beyond 30 days; apply at a Philippine embassy or consulate before travel. | PHP 1,000 (~$18 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for 6 months, multiple entries; apply at a Philippine embassy or consulate. | PHP 2,000 (~$36 USD) |
| Overstay finePay at the Bureau of Immigration before departure; overstaying can lead to blacklisting. | PHP 500 (~$9 USD) per day, max PHP 20,000 (~$360 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Philippines
No transit visa needed
Canadian passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in the Philippines, as long as they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If you need to clear immigration (e.g., to switch airports or collect luggage), you must meet visa-free entry requirements (valid passport, return ticket).
- For stays over 24 hours, you must clear immigration and may be granted visa-free entry for up to 30 days.
Transit hubsNinoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), Manila · Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB), Cebu · Clark International Airport (CRK), Angeles City
Health & vaccines for Philippines
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa and South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease prevalent year-round, especially in urban and rural areas.
Typhoid feverModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food or water, especially in rural areas.
RabiesModerate risk
Present in dogs and other mammals; avoid animal contact and seek immediate post-exposure prophylaxis if bitten.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most tourist areas (Manila, Cebu, Palawan). Prophylaxis recommended only for travel to rural areas in Mindanao or Palawan (e.g., Puerto Princesa).
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Manila
Bureau of Immigration Main Office
Magallanes Drive, Intramuros, Manila 1002
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
For visa extensions and re-entry permits; bring passport, visa, and extension fee (PHP 1,000+).
Cebu City
Bureau of Immigration Cebu Field Office
G/F, Gaisano Mactan Island Mall, Mactan, Lapu-Lapu City
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Popular for tourists in Cebu; extensions processed same day if early.
Practical information for CA travellers
Country basics
CapitalManila
LanguageFilipino, English
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid for up to 90 days.
Money
CurrencyPhilippine Peso (PHP)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 61.52 PHP
Time zone
Local timeUTC+8
vs New York+13h (EST) / +12h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+16h (PST) / +15h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage220V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,B,CType A, B, C — US plugs (Type A) generally fit.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Do not drink tap water. Use sealed bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Philippines
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Philippines — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can extend your stay by visiting a Bureau of Immigration office. The first extension costs around PHP 3,000 and gives you an additional 29 days. You can extend further up to a total of 36 months. Extensions must be done before your current stay expires.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by Philippine immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. There are no exceptions for Canadian citizens.
No. The visa-free entry covers business activities like meetings, conferences, and site visits. You cannot accept local employment or get paid by a Philippine company. For paid work, you need a work visa.
Have your passport (6+ months validity), return ticket (printed or digital), and proof of accommodation ready. Immigration may also ask for proof of funds — a credit card or bank statement works. Travel insurance is not required but recommended.
No. You must have a return or onward ticket within 30 days. Airlines check this before boarding. If you plan to extend your stay, you still need a ticket showing departure within the initial 30-day period.
No. As of 2026, Canadian citizens do not need to fill out an arrival declaration form. You simply go through immigration, collect your bags, and proceed through customs.
You'll be fined PHP 500 per month of overstay (plus a processing fee). Overstays of more than 6 months may result in blacklisting. Always extend before your stamp expires.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 11, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.